adventurousday 1 sumptuous siem reap cosmopolitan siem reap is cambodia’s second city and gateway...
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Adventures – Experiences – Exploration
Exclusive travel for thirty and forty somethings…..
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Adventurous Cambodia
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Overview
You’ve seen it on screen but in person, wow. Nowhere
raises the bar quite like charismatic Cambodia. This
Southeast Asian nation boasts floating villages and
riverside reveling. It’s got Art Deco monuments, ancient
Angkor Wat temples and echoes of the Khmer Empire
rippling through its cultural scene. Prepare to explore
capital Phnom Penh, get social in Siem Reap, sail to
tropical islands and learn from the famously friendly locals
on this epic trip through the intoxicating Kingdom of
Cambodia. Here’s what your nine-day FFX experience
looks like.
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Itinerary
Day 1 Sumptuous Siem Reap
Cosmopolitan Siem Reap is Cambodia’s second city and gateway to Angkor Wat. With its colonial and Chinese-influenced architecture, Temple Town’s mind-blowing array of activities will excite lovers of hedonism and heritage alike. Savor downtown’s haute cuisine or tuck into a crunchy tarantula at Angkor Night Market. Dirt-bike the countryside or learn about the 1970s’ Khmer Rouge regime as depicted in the film, The Killing Fields. Focus on Cambodia’s bright future as you roam the riverside cafes and rediscover your flow with a relaxing massage. To taste the terroir and bond with your FFX group, Malis is the perfect spot for a welcome feast. This elegant riverside
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restaurant is reinventing Cambodian cuisine. Dine on sour soups, shellfish specialties and colorful lotus leaf curries.
Accommodation FCC Angkor Hotel
DAY 2 SUNRISE OVER ANGKOR WAT
It’s clear why Angkor Archaeological Park is one of the planet’s most magnetic spots. This vast and mysterious 12th-century temple complex has got everything. There are endless temples, treks and trails. A 2001 Hollywood blockbuster (Angelina Jolie’s Tomb Raider) made its tree shrouded temple, Ta Prohm, the selfie center of the universe. It’s home to the world’s largest pre-industrial city and sports a UNESCO World Heritage T-shirt too. Sunrise is the finest time to see this other-worldly land, as fingers of light edge over the temples. With ingenuity it’s easy to lose the crowds, as most head to the ‘big three’ of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm. Chat with thriving local traders and enjoy a meal at the NGO-run Sala Bai Hotel School. You’ll leave with a good taste in your mouth, both because it was delicious and because your bill covered a day’s tuition for one of its students.
Accommodation FCC Angkor Hotel
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DAY 3 LIFE AFLOAT AND KHMER COOKERY
Cambodia is renowned for its intricate floating villages such as those on Tonlé Sap lake. Locals don’t bat an eyelid to attending school, work or hospitals built on stilts up to 7m above the water. Families travel in bright-painted boats and even the Theravada Buddhist pagoda welcomes worshippers from the water. FFX will charter a private wooden boat to get you into the heart of Tonlé Sap’s floating world, followed by a row-boat trip through a flooded forest. Back on land, your FFX guide’s expert knowledge will take you to the best, freshest food markets around. Their flavor-busting herbs and spices might come in handy for the evening’s Khmer cookery class based at a picturesque organic farm.
Accommodation FCC Angkor Hotel
DAY 4 CURIOUS AND CREATIVE CAMBODIA
The word unique can be overused but, in Cambodia, it’s often the only word that fits. Where else but Siem Reap could you take a Vespa motorbike tour to learn about Khmer and Buddhist lifestyles...then visit a place that uses rats to sniff out land mines? Or share a coconut juice and sticky, bamboo-grilled rice with rattan weavers while photographing water buffalo nearby? Nature and history fans might be drawn to Phnom Kulen, birthplace of the Khmer Empire. It’s known for its ruined temples, reclining Buddhas and alluring waterfall. Round off your day with a
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mindful hatha yoga session before a Cirque-du-Soleil-inspired circus performance at Phare Ponleu Selpak, whose profits provide creative education and support to local youngsters.
Accommodation FCC Angkor Hotel
DAY 5 GULF OF THAILAND ISLANDS
Love islands? The beaches and isles of Cambodia’s Gulf of Thailand now beckon - it’s time to fly to Sihanoukville. This coastal city is cloaked in golden beaches so get ready to crack out that beach body! Sihanoukville was named for King Sihanouk, founder of modern Cambodia.
Accommodation Independence Hotel
DAY 6 KOH RONG AND SIHANOUKVILLE!
After breakfast at hotel, the day is free at leisure.
Accommodation Independence Hotel
DAY 7 CULTURE CAPITAL, PHNOM PENH
Beach-bronzed team FFX now heads overland to the capital, Phnom Penh. It’s Cambodia’s economic and cultural core. The city was given a colonial sheen by the French and, in 1920s Indochina, it was the ‘Pearl of Asia’.
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Boat trading remains big, as the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers collide in this lush location. There’s a dynamic waterfront vibe fueled by street food vendors, bars and cafes. An original way to cram the culture in - saving energy for the night’s happy hours and Khmer dancing lessons - is to travel by three-wheeled Cyclo. Whiz to the French Quarter (where colonial shopfronts line broad boulevards) and to the 27m high Buddhist temple, Wat Phnom, as heady scents and saffron-clad monks float on by.
Accommodation Himawari Hotel
DAY 8 PALACES, PRISIONS AND CAMBODIAN DANCING
Khmer architectural highlights in Phnom Penh include the Royal Palace and its shimmering Throne Hall. If you’re not all ‘watted’ out, there are plenty left to explore! Immerse in the chaos of the moment at the Russian Market, bartering for high-quality souvenirs crafted from wood, stone, silver and silk. More sobering insights come from guided tours of the Genocide Museum or Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. Viewing Cambodia in this context makes the nation’s positivity and progress all the more astonishing.
Dancing is hugely revered in Cambodia, so Team FFX will enjoy its final evening in the company of accomplished dancers and artists. Try on a traditional ‘kben’ costume, attend a dance workshop and practice throwing some new
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Cambodian shapes as a live band plays on. It’s like X Factor meets Strictly and yes, sounds totally embarrassing. Strangely, with a liberal sprinkling of Cambodian magic, it just works. We promise! The climax of the evening is a fabulous finale of a meal, and watching the professionals on stage at a captivating Cambodian Living Arts performance. A perfect ending to this epic adventure.
Accommodation Himawari Hotel
Day 9 Farewell Cambodia
After breakfast at hotel, the day is free at leisure, until transfer to Phnom Penh airport for your departure flight.
That is how to immerse in Cambodia, from the depths of Angkor Wat to the culinary and cultural highlights of Phnom Pen. Enjoy action-packed days, down time and team-time as part of this small-group adventure experience for like-minded people in their 30s and 40s. This itinerary is crafted with high quality ingredients including extremely comfortable accommodation. Many dining and cultural experiences are organized by NGOs and are included as their profits support young Cambodians training in the tourism or creative industries. To book onto an FFX departure to Cambodia in 2020, get in touch today.
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Included Meals
8 Breakfasts
2 Lunches
3 Dinners
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Included Accommodations
4 nights at FCC Angkor Hotel
2 nights at Independence Hotel
2 nights at Himawari Hotel
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Tour Leader
Your FFX Adventure has a professional nationally-
licensed English-speaking tour leader. Our tour leaders
are selected and trained to lead your group throughout
your adventure. They have extensive local knowledge and
are there to assist you in your travels and make your
experience well beyond just satisfactory.
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Included Amenities and Activities
8 Nights at Luxury Hotels
Welcome dinner
Guided tour of Siem Reap
Traditional Cambodian massage
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Private guided tour of Angkor Wat starting at sunrise
Lunch at an upcoming NGO restaurant
Siem Reap local market visit
Buddhist monk blessing ceremony
Guided rowboat ride through the floating village on Tonle Sap Lake
Cambodian cooking class with dinner
Cambodian Yoga class
A night at the Phare Circus
Domestic flight from Siem Rep to Sihanoukville
Walking tour of Phnom Penh with Cyclo riding
Traditional Cambodian dance workshop
Farewell dinner
Private transfers throughout trip
Exclusions International Flights
International airport departure tax
Any visas required (Please bring one passport photo for Cambodia visa process)
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Services not mentioned in the itinerary
Late check out at hotels
Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
Drinks with included lunches and dinners
Tips for leaders, guide and driver
Expenditure of personal nature
Personal Insurance
Optional activities
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Travel Documents in Order to Enter Cambodia
Requirements for Entry:
Passport and Visas requirements for U.S. Passport Holders
You will need a valid passport and a Cambodian visa to enter Cambodia. Tourist and business visas are valid for one month from the date of entry into Cambodia. Cambodia offers on-line visa processing. You may also apply in person at the Cambodian Embassy located at 4530 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011, tel. 202-726-7742, fax 202-726-8381.
Tourists and business travelers may also obtain a Cambodian visa at the airports in Phnom Penh, Siem
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Reap, and at all major border crossings. Cambodian immigration officials at airports now collect fingerprints upon entry using an inkless, electronic process. You will need two passport-sized (4cm by 6cm) photographs and a passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of entry into Cambodia.
Please visit the US State Department for further
information at
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-
travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-
Pages/Cambodia.html
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Liability Waiver and Confidential Medical Certification
and Release
All travelers, regardless of the physical level, must complete the digital Liability Waiver and the Confidential Medical Certification and Release at least 70 days before departure. You can find the Liability Waiver here https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/5abbcc242515b/web/ or on our site under the About tab. You can find the digital Confidential Medical Certification and Release form here https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/5abbecd19e024/web/ or on our site under the About tab. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Personal Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory for every traveler on an
FFX Adventure. We will need your travel insurance
information no later than 21 days before departure.
Please provide our office with a copy of your travel
insurance policy by emailing us at
Travelers will have to present to their tour leader during
the welcome meeting their travel insurance credentials. If
a traveler does not have proper travel insurance
unfortunately, they will not be allowed to continue on the
adventure.
You must have travel insurance with a minimum medical,
evacuation, and repatriation coverage of at least USD
$200,000 covering all applicable dates of travel with FFX
Adventures. This insurance must cover personal injury
and emergency medical expensive. You are strongly
recommended to extend your coverage to include
cancellation, curtailment, and all other expenses that may
arise as a result of the loss, damage, injury , delay, or
inconvenience while traveling.
FFX Adventures does not sell travel insurance directly, but
we can provide a list of travel insurance providers.
Please call us at 1-833-924-1096 or email us at
[email protected] for further information.
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Flights
The Furthest Frontiers Expeditions office will need your arrival flight information at least 55 days before departure so that we can arrange your airport transfer to the starting hotel. Please call our office at 1-833-924-1096 or email us at [email protected] If you need help acquiring flights, please contact our
partner Air Treks at
https://www.airtreks.com/about/contact/
If you have any questions, feel free to call Air Treks at
1-877-AIR-TREKS (1-877-247-8735)
For business and first class please call
1-877-482-4368
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Starting Point
FCC Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Address: Pokambor Ave., next to the Royal Residence,
Siem Reap 17259
Phone: 063 760 280
Private transfer upon arrival at Siem Reap airport to hotel.
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Starting Point Joining Instructions
After arrival at the airport, look for the private driver with
your name on the sign, the driver will take you to the
starting hotel.
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Arrival Complications
We care about you and your schedule. Be sure to notify
our office of any schedule changes that will affect your
tour with us.
If your flight arrives late or if you do not see a driver
holding your name on a sign, we recommend that you take
a local taxi to the starting hotel. Tell the taxi FCC Angkor
in Siem Reap. Please inform your Tour Leader during the
first meeting so you can be reimbursed following your trip.
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Late Arrival
If you arrive after the tour begins, we will do our best to
assist you. Please contact the starting hotel and ask to
speak or leave a message with FFX Adventures Tour
Leader. If you cannot reach the tour leader please call our
office at 00-1-314-769-9001 or after office hours at 00-1-
618-910-1084.
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Emergency Contact
In the event of an unforeseen emergency, notify your tour
leader. If necessary or as instructed, please call our office
at 00-1-314-769-9001 or after office hours at 00-1-618-
910-1084.
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What to Take Checklist
Important Documents
• Flight info Please send FFX Adventures your flight
information to [email protected] at least 55 days
before departure so we can arrange your included private
transfers from the airport to the starting hotel.
• Insurance info (required) (with photocopies)
Please send FFX Adventures a photocopy of your travel
insurance for this trip or provide the policy number and
insurance company phone number please email
[email protected] at least 21 days prior to
departure.
• Passport (required) (with photocopies)
Please send a photocopy of your passport via email to
[email protected] at least 70 days prior to
departure.
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General Items
• Binoculars
• Camera (with extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit, and debit cards
• Day pack (used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• First-aid kid (sunscreen, whistle, aspirin, ibuprofen, band
aids, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes,
antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tables for mild cases
of diarrhea, water purification tablets or drops, insect
repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be
taking)
• Flashlight
• Money belt
• Outlet adapter
• Reusable water bottle
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries
• Watch
• Waterproof backpack cover
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Warm Weather
Sandals
Shorts and skirts (though in keeping with conservative
dress codes)
Headwear for sun protection
Swimming suit
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Photography
As in all foreign countries, it is considered polite to adhere
to and show respect for local customs. You should always
ask permission before taking photographs of local people
as offence could easily be taken. Some locals may ask for
a few US Dollars or about 4,000 Riels when being
photographed.
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Laundry
Laundry facilities is offered by most of the hotels for a
charge.
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Money Exchange
The currency in Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHR).
Please check out http://www.xe.com for current exchange
rates.
Before making any decisions with cash or credit/debit
cards, we recommend consulting your bank. Please notify
your credit card company that you will be traveling
internationally. You will have to tell them where you will be
traveling and what dates you will be out of the country to
ensure that your card will work while overseas.
When traveling abroad, we recommend using a
combination of US dollars and cards as fees and ATM
availability can affect your card usage.
We also recommend traveling with several different cards
as a backup in case of difficulty. It should be noted that
some shops do charge a fee for credit card usage.
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Emergency Funds
In case of unforeseen emergencies, such as a natural
disaster, we strongly recommend you make an extra $500
available, just as a precaution. It is extremely rare for the
emergency funds to be needed, but we recommend
having them nonetheless.
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Tipping
For those helping you on your tour, it is a validation of their
hard work and service to you. We have provided an
average guideline for your group to adhere to if you wish
to use it. However, the amount you decide to tip is entirely
up to you.
Guides full day ($15) USD
Guides half day ($10) USD
Driver full day ($10) USD
Driver half day ($5) USD
The price is per person.
Taxi drivers can be tipped a few US Dollars depending on the length of the ride.
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Health
Although it is safe to do so in most big cities, it is always
advisable not to drink tap water or eat raw vegetables.
Bottled mineral water is available throughout the country.
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Vaccinations
Check the vaccines and visit your doctor at least a month
before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may
need. Please refer to the CDC website at
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/ca
mbodia
It is recommended that vaccinations should be given 4 to 6 weeks out so they can take effect before travel. It is your responsibility to have the proper vaccinations that your doctor advises. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Electricity
Voltage, Frequency and Plug/Outlet Type in Cambodia. Electricity information for other places. Electricity in Cambodia is 230 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------Safety and Security
There is no greater area of importance than the safety of
our travelers. We make a great effort to understand and
analyze situations in different countries and how those
situations could affect our groups. We work closely with
our local partners to monitor events, as well as
establishing protocols which are in place to address any
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situation that could arise. Please visit the U.S. State
Department for further information at
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/tr
aveladvisories/cambodia-travel-advisory.html
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Weather
Please visit Holiday Weather for the latest weather
information and charts.
https://www.holiday-weather.com/country/cambodia
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Time Zone
UTC+7
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Language
Khmer is the official language of Cambodia.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Communication
Hotels and public facilities will have Wi-Fi so it is possible to keep in touch. In remote places or on treks, you will not be able to communicate often. It’s always recommended to get a phone card and to make sure your phone is unlocked or set to international mode.
Mobile Phones
Depending on the destination and the coverage it will vary. Most phones will work, but it is a good idea to talk to your phone provider about global roaming before you leave.
Medical Information
Our tour, adventure and expedition travels can take you to very remote areas where limited or no sophisticated medical facilities exist. A medical emergency situation is extremely unlikely. Our tours, adventures and expeditions are intended for travelers in reasonably good health along with that of their fellow travelers.
The medical information you provide to FFX Adventures will be held in the utmost strictest confidence to evaluate fitness for travel. Please note that this may include transmitting your information overseas to any countries to which you may be visiting or to a FFX Adventures supplier or local partner but only as required. The collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information are governed by the FFX Adventures Privacy Policy.
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Everyone who has made a booking with Furthest Frontiers Expeditions must complete the liability wavier and the Confidential Medical Certification and Release at least 70 days before departure. If you book a trip between 70 to 21 days before departure, we will need this form, as soon as possible. The medical wavier and the confidential medical certification and release is sent via email when a booking is made. These documents are also available on our site.
What is the age restriction to go on a FFX Adventure?
FFX Adventures are exclusively offered for travelers in their thirties and forties, unless otherwise indicated in the Tour description. You must meet the minimum age of 30 and the maximum age of 50 to participate in any Tour operated by FFX.
Special Dietary
FFX Adventures will try our very best to accommodate all dietary requirements. Please note that in some of the destinations we visit it may be very difficult to arrange special dietary meals. Please let us know any food requirements or allergies at the time of booking. We will forward this information to your group leader.
Accommodation Check-In
Check-in time can vary from hotel to hotel. Most of the time check-in is between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. If you arrive earlier, you will be able to store your luggage at the hotel and have a few hours to explore. Please note that depending on the trip and your arrival time, FFX
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Adventures may have arranged to have a room available upon your arrival.
How many people are on a group trip?
At FFX Adventures, we like to keep our groups small. Most groups average between 8 to 12 travelers. We have set a limit on most trips to have no more than 16 travelers. By keeping the group size small, this allows us to make our way through local communities with ease, as well as, providing the ability to get acquainted with your new travel companions and soon to be friends.
Gender Balance
When it comes to gender, we find that most trips 60/40 female to male.
What Happens During Free Time?
Free time is when you have time on your own or with new friends you have made while on group trips. This time gives you the opportunity to venture off and explore. Depending on the location, you have many options to choose from. You can do whatever you choose during your free time. Your tour leader will always be able to provide you with recommendations.
Can I find out who is in my group before departure?
For privacy concerns, we cannot share information about fellow travelers. On most trips, the ratio of solo travelers to
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couples is about 70:30 with most of our clients from the United States.
Luggage Limits
Packing the right clothing and gear for your trip is essential. We always suggest packing as light as possible. We recommend brining one rucksack, duffel bag or suitcase per traveler that weighs no more than 35lbs. You will be required to carry your luggage. This might sometimes be upstairs and on and off the transport. In addition, we recommend bringing a day pack, carryon or backpack to use during certain day outings.
Excess Luggage
Most starting point hotels can store your excess luggage for you. This is at your own risk and expense. A nominal fee is often charged by the hotel to store your luggage. In addition, this would only be an advantage if the trip you are on is returning to the starting location.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------General Travel Rules
You must, at all times, comply with the laws, customs,
foreign exchange, and drug regulations of all countries
visited. The decision of the tour leader and/or FFX
Adventures is final on all matters likely to affect the safety
of any traveler or staff member participating in the tour. If
you fail to comply with a decision of a tour leader, or,
otherwise, interfere with the wellbeing of the group, the
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tour leader may instruct you to leave the tour immediately
with no right to refund.
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Feedback
At the end of your tour, we will send you an anonymous
survey to complete. Your feedback is important to us in
order for us to provide the best service possible. If you
wish, you can even have a representative call you to talk
about your tour and listen to any feedback you wish to
provide. Please call us at 1-833-924-1096 or email us at
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Adventures – Experiences – Exploration
Exclusive travel for thirty and forty somethings….
www.ffxadventures.com
Email [email protected]
Toll Free Phone 1-833-924-1096
Local Phone 1-314-769-9001
Afterhours Phone 1-618-910-1084
Address PO Box 190122 St. Louis, MO 63119